Updated: M6 near Samlesbury re-opened after fatal accident (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Updated: M6 near Samlesbury re-opened after fatal accident

1:54pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

A man has died following an accident on the northbound carriageway of the M6 near Samlesbury this morning.

The incident happened at around 11am just before the exit at junction 31 at Preston.

A 41-year-old man was driving his silver Vauxhall Vectra when a piece of metal smashed through his windscreen and hit him, causing fatal injuries.

An ambulance was called and took the man to hospital but he died shortly after arrival.

The M6 northbound carriageway was completely closed for much of the day to allow accident investigators to carryout a full examination of the scene.

Sergeant Dave Hogarth from the Road Policing Unit said: “This appears to be an incredibly tragic incident where in the most unusual of circumstances, a man has sadly lost his life.

“I would appeal to anyone who was on the motorway this morning and who witnessed what happened to come forward and contact the police. I also want motorists to check their vehicles and loads to see if they have anything missing.

“It is important that we carry out a thorough investigation so we can establish exactly what has happened. Clearly this is an incredibly difficult time for the family of the man and we have specially trained family liaison officers supporting them.”

Information: call Lancashire police on 101.